A “freecycle” – in the Studio Theatre at the ACT – is one of the new attractions.

Blue boxes have already been placed at various stores downtown Maple Ridge for people to donate gently used articles of children’s clothing, books and toys to the freecycle.

Donations are also being collected at the Ridge Meadows Recycling Depot and on April 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in front of the ACT. All of the items collected will be available for people to take at the freecycle on Earth Day.

“If you see something you like or your kid likes just take it,” said organizer Leanne Koehn, daughter of Ridge Meadows Recycling Society founders Julie and Dave Koehn.

“It’s based on the idea that we live in an abundant society and we don’t have to work so hard to make a lot of money to buy what we need,” said Koehn.

All of these items that we need already exist, said Koehn, and this takes the stigma off of reused items.

Another new initiative that will make it’s debut at Earth Day will be the Zero Waste Station pilot project.

Koehn came up with the idea after seeing it in action at the Richmond Maritime Festival.

Four stations will be set up across the park and will contain three bins at each one, plus one not-so-visible garbage bin. The first bin will be for glass, metal or plastic containers. The second bin will be for clean paper products, including newspaper, card board or white paper. The third bin will be for food scraps and soiled napkins and tissues. Attendants at each station will help people dispose of their waste properly.

“It’s really about keeping things out of the landfill,” said Koehn.

A local chapter of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, along with the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society are organizing a bike give-a-way for Earth Day. Bicycles that are in reasonably good condition are being collected at the recycling depot (10092 – 236th Street). Or email jchow23708@yahoo.ca to arrange for a pick up.

VACC will also show how to use bus bike racks.

Electric cars will also be part of the celebrations, including a 1912 Detroit Electric car.

The first Farmer’s Market of the year will be part of Earth Day, as well.

There will also be plenty of entertainment.

As a final touch, the Maple Ridge Quilting Guild is creating reusable pennant-style bunting to decorate the many booths that will fill Spirit Square on Earth Day.

Opening ceremonies are at 11 a.m.

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